Venus Boyz, a documentary film by Gabriel Baur, is all about the
exploration and expression of masculinity by women. These individuals
range from women who are primarily heterosexual and simply enjoy the
power and entitlement they feel while wearing men's clothing and
attitudes to women born as hermaphrodites who have, after years of
classification as female have opted to explore their inner leanings
towards masculinity and male-ness. This range of viewpoints was a key
element of why Venus Boyz is a film worth watching.

Unlike their male drag counterparts (queens), drag kings don't have as
may films that celebrate and explore why women sometimes feel the need
to dress like men, although there are some. Other than Brandon Teena's
story, which remains in the spotlight due to his traumatic death and
Hillary Swank's portrayal of him in Boys Don't Cry, the individual
tales of these female cross-dressers and trans-sexuals are often
unheard. Venuz Boyz gives us a range of these stories and a chance to
take a glimpse into the performer's lives both on and off stage.
Although their tales are sometimes accompanied by kitschy performances,
I felt like it was the less showy parts of the documentary that were
really able to communicate to me some of the politics, problems and
positives of cross-dressing and of exploring female masculinity.

I wouldn't recommend this documentary to everyone. Certainly, you have
to be willing to listen with an open mind about these women's
experiences with a gender-biased world, but for those who are
interested in exploring how a group of women are working individually
to redefine gender, this is a worthwhile film. Even though I had a very
open mind going into the film and have a background in similar topics,
I had no idea that the range of women who choose to cross dress was so
diverse. I was also reassured to hear that many of the "protagonists"
of the film have been able to find funding and support for their
artistic explorations and expressions.

There is a reason that this film has won awards and been featured at
major GLBTQ film festivals, and that it is because it offers an insight
into a world not found in other films. And, if you have ever wondered
about your own female masculinity, this film will likely offer you
comfort and familiarity.

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